1.4.4 Allegations Against Adults who Work with Children and the Role of the Local Authority Designated Officer |
LONDON CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES
If there are any Child Protection concerns, this chapter should be read in conjunction with London Child Protection Procedures, Section 15 Allegations Against Staff.
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1. Action to be taken for an Allegation or Serious Cause for Concern
This is to remind all staff in Children's Social Care, what action they should take if an allegation or serious cause for concern comes to their attention.
The procedures should be applied when there is an allegation or concern that any person who works with children, in connection with their employment or voluntary activity, has:
- Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child;
- Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;
- Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they are unsuitable to work with children.
The procedures state that the employer must inform the local authority designated officer LADO immediately an allegation is made. If anything comes to your attention therefore you need to contact Lin Blakelock or in their absence, Catherine Duffy. Lorrisa Webber is the designated officer for allegations against education staff. If she is not available then Lin or Catherine should be contacted. Please see LADO contact details.
ALL allegations need to be discussed with the above designated officers before any decisions are made about what action is needed. The Quality Assurance business support officers will be able to advise how to contact us if we are not in the office. If you are in any doubt about whether what you have constitutes an allegation or not, please discuss with us.
An allegation against a member of staff may arise from a number of sources (e.g. a report from a child, a concern raised by another adult in the organisation, or a complaint by a parent). Parents may also complain through organisations such as the NSPCC, OFSTED or report the matter to the police, who should then pass it on to the LADO.
The LADO, with the designated senior manager for the employer (for schools this would be the head teacher, nurseries would be the manager/owner, foster carers would be the fostering TM if a Lewisham carer or the senior in the fostering agency if an independent agency) will:
- Consider whether more details are needed and whether there is evidence or information that establishes that the allegation is false or unfounded.
- If the allegation is not demonstrably false and there is cause to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer Significant Harm, the LADO or employer should refer to CSC and ask them to convene an immediate strategy meeting.
- If the threshold for significant harm is not reached, but a police investigation may be needed, the LADO would inform the police and convene a meeting with the police, employer and other agencies involved with the child.
- Consider whether the issue/complaint can be dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter
2. Looked After Children
If one of our looked after children makes an allegation against their foster carer or a member of staff in the residential unit you will need to inform the LADO here, even if the carer or unit is outside the borough. We will then advise you who to contact in the authority where the carer lives or where the unit is situated. The Duty IRO can also advise and assist with these situations.
All teams should have a copy of Working Together to Safeguard Children and the London Child Protection Procedures, which both have a section on allegations.
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